Ok peeps, I am thinking about asking my parents for some workout equipment. My dad and I used to go to the gym, but once summer vacation rolled around, that was no more. The topic of going back to the gym was brought up and I was thinking that it would probably be cheaper to buy our own weights(one time deal instead of 2 memberships that need to be renewed every month/2months/etc). What would you guys and gals recommend for someone like myself. Cant be too expensive. Im thinking that all I really need is a bench, the weights, dumbbells and a barbell. Think I could do effective squats with just some heavy a** dumbbells? If not, how much would it cost for a...... the frame you use when you squat? Any help is appreciated.

Hey Fudgam, a home gym investment is a great idea. I would say buy a weight bench, it doesn't have to be $250 one, maybe $100-150... and buy a weight set, the weights amounts range with price, but they usually come with a barbell and 2 db bars. It might be good to also get a rack, you might not need a power rack but a sqaut rack like this one
http://www.newyorkbarbells.tv/93132.html
so weight bench, weight set, and sqaut rack for better workout.

That squat rack looks kinda....sparse. You people think that its safe not having that bar thats supposed to catch the weight incase you lose your balance? And where would you guys recommend I buy from? Any good internet sources available? A local place? Are these types of products ok to buy from Wal-Mart or K-Mart? Should I only buy them from a sport oriented store instead?

Well Fudgam, you said the equipment can't be to expensive. I guess your looking for a power rack, which is more money. Now I wouldn't buy a rack from Wal-Mart or K-Mart... This power rack is very good here.
http://www.newyorkbarbells.tv/92563.html

Now actually when I think about it. You say want to start a home gym to safe money in the long run from gyms. Well, then you really got to come foward and put out the money. This is going to be your equipment, not a gyms where if it breaks, well they fix it. You don't want to pay half the money of good equipment to get something cheap and have problems, and in the long run you probably spend over the amount you would have in the first place to buy solid equipment. Only if your going to stick with it.

What about the weights themselves? Im guessing that theres not gonna be that much malfunction with something as simple as those.

The weights will last forever. Just don't buy the plastic ones filled with concrete.

What about the weights themselves? Im guessing that theres not gonna be that much malfunction with something as simple as those.

Think I could do effective squats with just some heavy a** dumbbells? If not, how much would it cost for a...... the frame you use when you squat? Any help is appreciated.

I started with just a flat bench and dumbbells, and a small carpet (because the concrete could get cold!). The way I did squats was with heavy dumbbells, and I'll just touch my derriere to the end of the bench, arms at my side. It worked pretty well - if it got to hard, I could just sit down and drop the weights.

I'd recommend saving up for the best equipment you can afford - and to do that, you have to save up while working with lesser gear. I started by start buying hex dumbbells from low weights to high in 5 lb. increments as I needed them, and a no frills flat bench. You can do alot of training with just that. Pretty much everything really. :db:

What to save for: A lift cage is a great thing, and is an adjustable bench (I'm a big fan of powertec - it's not cheap, but you'll never have to replace it.) The entire cost of your gym (weights included) will cost less than most 2 year gym memberships. :bb:

As long as I'm talking about equipment - a set of good lifting gloves is a good investment. And given the choice, I'd always choose olympic plates over the plastic ones. :gl:

I always aim for the safest equipment. I tend to work out alone, and should there be an *INCIDENT*, I might not be found for up to 8 hours. I don't know what YOUR workout routine is like, partners or solitary - but safety is a big concern.

if you have a partner, is there a phone handy (and does your partner know where it is? Is your partner big enough to spot the weight you're lifting (don't laugh, I once saw a guy who couldn't have weight 150 lbs spotting a guy who was benching over 350).

Think it through. i have a cell phone with me when I lift - anything short of an aneurysm, and I can call for help. I have a full lift cage, so should I collapse under the weight, it doesn't land on me. A rack, I might be in trouble.

Be safe!

Ill always be lifting with a partner. Probably either my dad or sister.

... This power rack is very good here.
http://www.newyorkbarbells.tv/92563.html



I can second this recommendation. I own the rack and love it. :tu:

Im thinking that I will be purchasing these items from a local place. Weight set-$94.95 S&H-$160 No thank you :p.

How would this be for a weight set? Theres a Dicks sporting goods about 15 mintues away from me, so I dont need to worry about s&h. http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1125026&cp=710956.710958.693997&parentPage=family